No time, there was no time left to wait. This was my chance at freedom and sure as hell I wasn't going to let it slip. Years of being locked up and confined to the Academy and I’m finally out.
The stained glass window shatters as I leap out and land onto the rooftop, shards scratching at my fur and digging into my skin. I’ll live I guess, it’s only a scratch after all. As much as I would like to simply sit here and admire the view, the clambering bellow is some indication that I should probably get going and fast.
Blowing a strand of dark blue hair from my face I look down to the drop ahead. By Celestia it was high, at least three stories of the ground. The Academy was surrounded by a ten foot tall wall surrounding the entire perimeter, only one way in and out. Bellow I could see a cart full of hay, a stroke of luck.
It was worth a shot, and even though the thought of dying young was a scary one, it’s not like I had many options. Did I plan this? No. Closing my eyes and holding my breath, I leaned across the edge in a leap of faith.
The moment of weightlessness was indescribable yet terrifying and the impact much harder than I imagined it. My hooves landed first, a sharp pain travelling up my hind legs accompanied by a small gash on my head painting my light blue coat a dark crimson. It always seemed so simple in the stories but that bloody hurt.
For a moment I thought I had lost my sight, but a quick inspection revealed my cloak had simply fallen over my face. Right, where was I? Oh, no time to waste, escaping. Stumbling from the cart I galloped off towards the gates, keeping the weight off my hind legs after my rough landing. By all fortune they were still open, my chance at freedom still there.
I picked up the pace, letting my black hood fall of my head and my mane flow the cold breeze, even if it was rather short. I could hear the front doors of the Academy Hall open behind me, but a dared not look back in fear the guards would catch me. Above the gates Legionaries were given the signal to close the iron gates and seal off the perimeter. Things just became a whole lot more desperate, I wouldn't let them take me back, this was my last shot.
The guard’s horns lit up and the gates began to close before my eyes, panic surging through my system. I only had a few feet to go; I just had to push myself harder. Please, just let me have this. Leaping into the air I try to dive through the gap, time seemingly slowing down around me. My mane grazed against the cold iron, my hoof clipped the side as I passed through. I landed with a sharp crack in my hind legs, but I was free! I was out of the prison with the gates shut firmly behind me!
The guards looked rather angry, the others even more so. With a slightly cocky look on my face I turned to trot away, leaving this place behind for good. But something snagged on my tail and brought me to a dead halt. I turned to see that it was not one last ditch attempt at the guards trying to grab my tail, simply that it had been caught in the gates as they had shut. It took a couple of tugs, and I ended up stumbling a bit after I’d wiggled it free, but I was out and on my way. Bells were sounded within the walls and the alarm was raised. Looks like I had more running to do.
Alright, first follow the main road down south, then take the east road towards the barracks and then turn left at the crossroad… I think. Uggh, why does Hoofington have to be so hard to navigate, the maps I studied in the academy seemingly not matching up to the actual city layout. I just have to keep going and avoid any of the Legionaries. Those bastards weren't taking me back any day soon, I promise you that.
Okay, okay, keeping my calms cool. The guards don’t seem to be still searching for me, but I should be good so long as I keep out of sight. Scratch that, that mare just saw me. Damn, now they’ll all know where I am.
She called out to the other Legionaries, “I found the filly, she’s over here!” And naturally they all began to gallop towards where I stood dumbstruck. Once I managed to convince my legs to move again I was off like a bullet, deciding to abandon my plan of following the road and ducking off into one of the side streets.
They were hot on my tail, their horns lighting up as they tried to get in range of a magical grip. I kicked over some planks of wood but I knew it wasn't going to be enough to slow them down. Ahead though I could see some scaffolding on the side of a building. I galloped past it and turned to face the target, lightning up my horn as I put everything I had into the spell. Sweat was gathering on my forehead and my teeth ground together as I tried to concentrate.
It seemed to be working, the wooden scaffolding began to creek and groan, but at the same time the guards seemed to be getting closer. A small yelp escaped my clenched teeth as I finally broke the support beams and destabilized the structure, causing it to sway back and forth till it finally crashed onto the approaching Legionaries. The side street was blocked and cluttered with blocked pieces of wood and scaffolding; my pursuers a bit occupied trying to free themselves from the wreckage or finding a way around the collapse with their magic. Thank Celestia none of them know how to teleport, I’d be dead in an instant.
I took a brief second to catch my breath, the realization of just how much the spell had drained my energy dawning on me as I tried to run. I needed to hide, find some cover till they had given up the search. But where? On second thought that can wait till later, more of them are coming around the other road and I’m running out of time. I wish I could hear myself think but my heartbeat refuses to slow down for a second. The prospect of going back to that place is enough to keep my adrenaline surging.
A ladder, that’s what I need. Across the road I can see propped up against the side of a smithy is a ladder extending to the roof top. I didn't really have time to think it through, my legs seizing the initiative and moving to a quick gallop to escape.
“She’s trying to get one the roof tops, after her!” Damn, they were on to me.
Using whatever strength was left in my shattered hind legs I leaped onto the ladder, landing so few feet up the railings and instantly beginning to scale it. When I reached the top I promptly bucked it to the ground, much to the anger of a few Legionaries and a rather cross Black Smith. From here I could see a good deal of the city, much of it accessible from the rooftops.
With a new determination I galloped to the edge of the roof and leaped across the gap onto another roof, a few tiles cracking as my hooves landed. By now the Legionaries had already replaced the ladder and were in hot pursuit once again. Damn it, I had to lose them soon. I don’t think I can handle any more of this excessive running. A thirteen year old filly shouldn't have to deal with this kind of punishment.
Leaping across to another roof top I just about lost my fooling, one of my hind legs slipping on a lose tile and promptly reminding me of its injuries.
“Buck!” I cried, taking a second just to recover. But the Legionaries were still closing in, I had to keep going. My breath was short and ragged, my steps more resembling a limp now rather than a gallop. A gap was just ahead, looks like I had another jump to make. This time however all the strength in me failed, my jump a pitiful failure. I fell short of the distance by a few feet, landing on one of the lower balconies with yet another sharp crack.
Looking at my left hind leg there was no longer any doubt over its injuries, a shard of bone breaking through the skin. Holy crap it burned, the pain was unimaginable. I held back my sobs, letting them get caught in my throat. Can’t stop, have to keep going. Have to escape before it’s too late.
Pulling myself back to my hooves I cringed as the sharp pain spiralled up my leg. In front of me was a door leading inside the building from the balcony. Without much choice I used what was left of my magic to open it, quickly moving inside and closing it behind me.
Then silence, my back pressed against the door as I waited to hear what the guards would do next. I could hear their hoof steps as they approached the edge I had failed to make, almost shocked at what they had seen.
“I saw her fall, but where’s the body?” A distinctly masculine voice spoke. “Oh they aren’t going to like this one bit.”
“Shut up for a second. She defiantly fell down here, maybe using magic to survive the impact. Let’s get down on the ground and start searching the area. We have to find her.”
I heard the sound of more hoof steps getting further and further away. Letting out a deep sigh of relief I allowed myself to slump up against the doorway and catch my breath. Looking around the room I had just barged into it seemed to be just a normal home, although no pony was here at the time.
Random bits of furniture were scattered around in no particular set up, but what really caught my eye was the sheets lying on the ground. Many of them seem to be stained with blood, and along the walls she could see chains mounted and hammered in place. It was a slave room, a place where the household kept the second class workers. The smell hit my nose, almost making me gag. Maybe this wasn't the best place to hide out, let’s try the next house and see how that goes.
My hind leg was still in a bad state, my eyes dared not look back to see how it was doing. I could only handle so much blood before I empty the contents of my Stomach. The idea did hit me that I could use one of the sheets to bandage the wound, if just to stop it getting infected.
Tearing off the edge of the nearest sheet I wrapped it multiple times around the leg. Once I was satisfied I kept moving, more eager to leave this room behind than anything. Sure we had slaves back at the Academy, but I never had the displeasure of seeing the conditions they endured. It made me feel a bit sick.
There were some steps leading down to the lower levels just ahead, probably my best bet would be just to find another room to hide into. A timely grumbling of my stomach suggested it should probably be somewhere with food. I don’t know if anypony’s home right now, I can’t hear anything from here so I guess it’s safe enough to have a look. The next level was actually a dining room, although there was no food laid out on the table.
The layout all seemed rather upper class, they even had candle sticks. However the fruit bowl in the center told a different story; it was completely rotten. Whoever lived here either hasn't been here for a long time or is very lazy when it comes to house work. Then again that’s probably what they had slaves for.
This didn't exactly spark any hope for finding food still good to eat, but it was at least comforting to know that no pony was here. Maybe I could find some medical supplies. After looking through the other rooms my search came up rather fruitless, only bedrooms and bathrooms with empty cabinets. On the ground floor I did manage to find the door leading to what smelled like a barn. Inside was a small cart filled with old hay and benches littered with various tools and equipment, none of which were worth taking.
Actually I think I do see something, just a small knife. Well, better be safe than sorry. I’ll take it in case I run into any more Legionaries… maybe. The thought sent a sick shiver down my spine. Taking a life… no, never mind it. I’m, safe and that’s all that matters for now. Although I could use some rest. The hay over in the corner looks comfortable enough for a quick nap and rest my injuries. I had taken a few cuts and bruises throughout the day, but overall I was doing just fine. Letting my eyes shut briefly and my head lit back, my mind slipped into a small daydream.
And yet there was more noise, my ears pricking up as I heard it above me. Hoof steps coming from above, they’re on the roof right above me. My eyes shot open as it drew closer and closer. Soon it stopped over the middle of the room. There was a dead silence as I waited for something to happen, till suddenly the roof itself gave way. With a loud crack and a thundering crash the ceiling collapsed in on itself.
As the dust settled two figures could be made out clearly in the rubble, both landing it somewhat awkward positions. One of them had a bright bubble gum pink coat and dark blue mane, her wings flared in surprise. The other guy was a stranger sight; a griffin (be him a rather small one). He wore an olive green travel cloak, his head covered in white feathers while the rest of his body was a darker tan.
“Well, that could have gone better.” For a griffin he had a remarkably soft voice.
“Oh just shut it.” The pink one dusted her armour off, although it was nothing I recognized. She was defiantly foreigner of some sort. “Anyway where are we?”
“Some kind of shed maybe, possibly a- who’s that?” Oh no, he’s pointing at me. “Is that her?”
The pink one was looking at me with a rather curious eye. “Looks like it. I think the stars are in our favour today. Allow us to introduce ourselves; Firefly,” She took a low bow.
“And Felix,” The griffin imitated his comrade.
“At your service.”
Author's Note
And so we embark on a new quest for adventure. If you haven't already I suggest taking a look at PoorYorickDA's: Equestria Divided series. He has since removed is Deviant Art account, but the general idea is that a civil war has torn Equestria apart, and the Elements of Harmony have split into six factions which we'll slowly learn more about. This is set fifteen years after the war first began.
Seven Days Ago…
One of the main issues plaguing House Stormwing was not war or poverty; it was what to do with all the ponies who couldn’t fly. Though they may be of a lower class, you can’t just leave them out to die. So when one smart lad came up the idea to give the “non-flying” populace their own rights and laws, this was widely considered a bad move.
Ten years later, and after plenty of yelling and cursing, the Archon’s of House Stormwing agreed to the proposal of giving the lower class citizens their own written constitution based off of early Pegasi Law. Unfortunately early Pegasi Law was complete garble, making little to no sense to anypony with half a brain cell.
Trottingham was picked as one of the firsts ground situated cities to take on the new constitution, the residents having little say in the matter. A new court were constructed with jury duty alternating between citizens each week. It was the first real steps towards equality and democracy.
And that is where the story begins, on a lovely Tuesday morning in the local courthouse. The senate and jury sat arguing amongst one another until a case was presented, each under the impression “that’s how the professionals do it”.
“Silence!” The Judge stood up before them, raising his hoof to silence the bickering. “The court recognizes the next case. Bring forth the defendants.”
Two burly Ground Guard marched in through the arched entrance, two rather funny looking figures tailing behind till they reached the stand. The mare was a Pegasus with a pink coat and a deep sea mane, the other was actually a griffon with a dirt brown coat and sandy plumage. Both of them were outfitted with makeshift leather armour, which had obviously seen better days, and worn green travel cloaks.
The jury began to murmur and whisper among one another until the crack of a mallet was sounded. “Firefly Dashing and Felix Gildrif,”
“Your honour.” Felix imitated a bow before Firefly gave him a swat to the head.
Unfazed, the case pressed on. “Both of you have been accused of over eighteen counts of Armed Robbery, Burglary, Attempted Escape from Custody, Escape from Custody, Arsine, Resisting Arrest, and Treason.” A slight smirk could be seen on the old Judges’ face. “How do the defendants plead?”
“Not guilty!” Firefly chimed in.
The Judge raised an eyebrow, but felt safe in the prosecution. “Well since the defendants have failed to find anypony to speak on their behalf-“
“At their rates; fat chance.” Felix cut in.
“-Shut up!” He took a second to regain his composure. “Since you have failed to provide a speaker and the evidence against you is overwhelming, I am authorised by Stormwing law to begin your sentencing immediately and pronounce you both guilty.”
“Horse feathers!” Cried Felix, causing Firefly to face-hoof. “You can’t do that!”
“Enough of your outbursts. My mind has been made and I will proceed to the next stage.”
“But you won’t.” Firefly interrupted.
“And why would that be?” Asked the Judge.
“Because… you’re… such a nice stallion?”
The Judge wasn’t convinced in the slightest. “Moving on then; due to the overwhelming evidence and obvious lack of a defence, I am forced to pronounce both of you guilty of all charges.”
“Well… shit.” Felix exclaimed.
“Sentencing will begin as of right now. Despite your service to the Stormwing Military, the severity of your crimes means that the only appropriate sentence is life imprisonment.”
“And that is…?” Firefly gestured for him to elaborate.
“Life, Miss Dashing.”
“Bugger.”
The Judge was growing sick of them already, even after speeding the case along by a good hour. “Does the jury agree with the given sentence?” He was meet by a sea of nodding. “Then I am forced to pronounce the pair of you gui-“
“Hold it!”
All heads suddenly turned to Firefly, who also seemed quite surprised at her bold move.
“Miss Dashing, I’m about to close the-“
“I call for a Crusade of Repentance!”
There was a sudden wave of groaning and complaining from the Jury, the Judge looking rather annoyed as well. Felix on the other hoof was just confused. “What’s a ‘Crusade of Repentance’?”
“A Crusade, Mr Gildrif,” The Judge began. “is a way of avoiding jail time by preforming a deed in service of the House. It used to be offered to criminals thousands of years ago, and thanks to the Celestia forsaken political reform, is still relevant in this very courtroom.”
“Awesome!” Exclaimed Felix, taking another second to think over what the Judge had informed him. “What kind of valorous deed?”
“That will be up to the pair of you, but until you return with proof of your accomplishment, neither of you will be permitted anywhere near Stormwing or her allies under the penalty of death.” His mallet was brought down with a good deal of force. “Case dismissed; they will remain in custody for another two days before their exile. Now get them out of my sight.”
The two guard began to shove them out of the courtroom, leaving the rest of the Jury to argue about whatever it is they argue about.
Felix whispered across to his partner. “Nice thinking there buddy. I really didn't feel like another breakout.”
“Honestly, I had no idea that would work.” Firefly had gone quite pail during the hearing. “I guess it worked out in the end, aye?”
“Yeah, I guess.” The pair were shoved down a small flight of stairs, leading down into the holding cells. It was rather dark and gloomy, but not wholly unpleasant. They’d gotten used to it after a few visits.
The Guards took them to their cell, shutting the door firmly behind them and double checking to be sure it was locked properly. Their boss would have their heads if they let those two escape again. It is a commonly held value that heads remain attached to their designated bodies.
Firefly went over to her usual spot on the bed while Felix busied himself scratching at the stone walls. “How’d we get arrested in the first place anyway? Last I remember we’d done the job and were heading back to the Old Cider House when we got cornered by the bloody Pegasi Guard.”
“You were bloody intoxicated you light weight.”
“Yeah, so were you.”
“Valid point, but we would have gotten away if you hadn't stopped to yell profanities at them! I swear you’re a complete idiot sometimes.”
Felix slumped back slightly defeated. “Well… I could have held my own back there, I just… was distracted by you.”
Firefly let out a sarcastic huff. “Distracted? It was your drunken griffon ass that got us here!”
Felix turned away and faced the wall, realizing he’d just about worn away his claws from his anger induced scratching. Firefly was silent, choosing to stare up at the damp ceiling and let the time pass away.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
“How long is this going to take exactly?” Felix asked.
“You heard the Judge; two days in custody before our exile.” Firefly replied, still facing the ceiling.
Felix wasn't exactly pleased with this news. “Two whole days?” he moaned, hitting his head against the wall before swiftly regretting it. “Are you sure we can’t just make a quick get away?”
“We’re in enough trouble as it is.” Firefly said. “The last thing we need is another attempted escape on our record. Just ride it out, you’ll be sweet.”
“Sweet!” A crackling voice echoed from the next cell. From the shadows crept the decrepit form of an earth pony, a mare by the looks of it. Her mane was once white but had faded to a dirty grey, her lavender coat had worn away till patches of skin showed through. She looked sick, she sounded sick, so why did she seem so happy about it.
Her hooves wrapped around the bars as she looked at the pair with eager eyes. “Did somepony say ‘Sweet’? You have no idea how long it’s been since we've had anything… sweet.” She licked her lips, revealing her misshapen tongue. Felix reeled back a bit while Firefly looked curiously.
“Nothing sweet to be found here,” She replied calmly. “Especially not with this guy around.”
“Hey.”
While the sickly mare looked rather disappointed, the smile still remained etched on her face. “Awww, that’s too bad. We could really use some about now. We might go crazy in here!” She crossed her eyes for emphasis.
“Right, okay… that’s normal.” Felix said so that only he could hear it.
The sickly mare licked her lips again. “So what are you two love birds doing here? On your honeymoon?”
Firefly quickly jumped to her defence. “Hell no, we’re friends.”
“I beg to differ!” Felix cut it.
“Acquaintances then.” She corrected. The mare only giggled in reply.
“He he, we’re only having fun with ya. What you do behind closed doors is none of my business.” She drew herself in closer, her face nearly pressed against the bars. “So why are you in here?”
Felix looked nervously at Firefly, but she seemed to have a lid on the situation. Best just leave it for her to handle, let the mare do the talking.
“We've taken a Crusade of Repentance. A kind of… quest to regain some honour.”
“Oh oh oh, yes, we understand what you’re saying. Brave knights off on a valiant quest, fun! But what to do, where to go.” She pondered for a second, rubbing her hairless chin. “We might have just the quest you’re looking for.”
“I doubt that.” Felix groaned.
Firefly sent a harsh glare his way before replying. “What king of quest exactly?”
The mare giggled with excitement. “We've been many places and seen many things, but one thing we saw was far better than the rest. We saw the end and the beginning.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Felix asked.
“Silly, let us tell you first. There’s a pony, no, a very special pony. She can see things, strange things that even I couldn't think of. She’s so special Moon and Star had to lock her up just to be sure she didn't get away.”
Firefly was rather perplexed but engaged at the same time. “What value does she hold to us exactly?”
“She can see things, far away things that we could never hope to see. She is worth more than the jewels of Whitegold and the Vaults of Earthborn. Find her… you’ll have your freedom.”
It’s safe to say neither was fully convinced of the mare’s sanity, but Firefly pressed on. “Where could we find her?”
“Where else but Hoofington? You can’t miss it.”
Felix moved over to the bed and whispered his concerns. “You can’t seriously be considering this, have you seen her? She's a walking sign with 'Suspicious' written all over her”
“It’s not like you've had any other ideas. This is the best we've got. We might as well head south anyway, anywhere’s better than here. Maybe she could be onto something.”
They both turned and looked at the sickly mare as she seemed to be caressing the bars in an odd manner. “Yeah, she’s onto it.”
“Just roll with me on this one. When have I ever let you down- hey, don’t answer that.” She cut in before he could interject. “Just trust me on this.”
Felix crossed his arms in a huff. “Fine. I trust you sorta, it’s her I'm worried about.”
“What? It’s not like we’re taking her with us.”
“Good.”
Firefly returned to facing the mare, regaining her attention by clearing her throat. “Fine, we’ll check it out and see if you’re not as crazy as you look.” She seemed to find that remark rather amusing. “We don’t exactly have a better plan.”
“Super! You don’t know how great this is!” Her little burst of joy was burst when a sudden thought found its way into her mind. “They’ll want to hear about this…”
Firefly titled her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”
The mare snapped back to reality. “Nothing, good luck!” She trotted happily back into the corner of her cell, curling up in a fettle position, giggling at her own thoughts.
“Creepy.” Said Felix.
“But useful.” Firefly rolled back over to face Felix. “You get your wish, let’s get moving.”
Felix instantly lit up at the news. “You mean that-“
“Yup, we’re making an early departure. Why waste another two days in here when we have a job to do?”
Felix sprung back to his legs, pumped and ready for action. “Alright, Firefly and Felix are back in the game!”
"I thought we agreed never to say that again."
